Valerie Elazegui
​ Faculty, Ballet

  • Chelsie Klein
    Owner & Artistic Director
    I began dancing at age 4 in Hays, Kansas at Jackie Creamer’s, The Dance Studio.  I was a member of the Vision Dance Team through high school and competed locally, regionally and nationally.  During high school, I also studied in New York at the Broadway Dance Center,  Steps on Broadway and in LA, at The Edge & The Performing Arts Center during my summers, as well as, attending dance workshops and conventions many, many weekends. While in New York, choreographer, Michele Assaf took me under her wing and became my mentor and flew me to New York to be in her instructional dance videos.  I graduated from the University of Missouri Conservatory of Dance & Music (UMKC) earning a Bachelors degree in Modern & Ballet. Two opportunities that stand out for me were being a principal in George Ballanchine’s Serenade Ballet and Joseph Mazilier’s, Peqida. While in college in Kansas City, I was afforded many, many opportunities to perform including with the Kansas City Ballet.

    After college, I spent my first summer dancing with Choreographer Michele Assaf in Italy and served as her assistant at the World Dance Movement in Tropea, Italy.  Upon returning from Italy, I moved to New York City and was represented by Clear Talent Agency.    I have studied with: Desmond Richardson, Mandy Moore, David Howard, Finus Young, Mia Michaels, Ray Leaper, Adam Parson, Wes Veldink, Frank Hatchett, Rhonda Miller, Chris Jacobson, Sonya T, Mark Meismer, Dee Caspery, Tina Caspery, Suzi Taylor and many more.  During college and for a number of years after I was a member of Seamless Dance Theater.

    I have a passion for teaching and much to share with the dance world.  So, in January 2012, Above the Barre Dance Academy opened its doors.  I hope you will consider experiencing the difference and become a part of the ATB family.

  • Jennifer Jarman
    Assistant Director

    I began dancing at the age of 6 in Oak Grove, MO. I competed locally and nationally at Starz Studio Performing Arts Center until I was 14, then moved to Olathe, KS and continued competing at Starstruck Performing Arts Center during high school.  Growing up dancing in Kansas City, I have enjoyed the opportunities to perform at Starlight Theater, Worlds of Fun, as well as during half time at numerous Chiefs games. I spent all of my summers in high school taking class at Edge Performing Arts Center in LA, Steps on Broadway and Broadway Dance Center in New York. My senior year I was awarded the "Dance with the Force" scholarship at Edge where I studied with artists such as Dee Caspary, Mandy Moore, JT Horenstein, Terri Best, Doug Caldwell, Justin Giles, Mark Meismer, Adam Parsons, Ray Leeper, and Mia Michaels.

    I graduated from the University of Missouri Kansas City with a Bachelor in Fine Arts majoring in Modern and Ballet. I was given the opportunity to perform as a lead in Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, Robert Battle's, "The Hunt".  During college I performed locally with Seamless Dance Theater and also expanded my education, traveling to Chicago as much as possible. I took many classes and intensives with dancers from River North, Hubbard Street, and Deeply Rooted.

    I have been teaching at recreational and competitive levels for years and am so excited to have a home with Above the Barre Dance Academy.

    • Danielle Palamino
    • Faculty

    I fell in love with dance when I was a junior in high school and have been training ever since. I spent my first two years at Above the Barre Dance Academy and am 2019 graduate of the University of Missouri- Kansas City Conservatory of Dance and Music where I am studied ballet and modern. I have had many opportunities to perform in the community and take master classes both through Above the Barre and now at UMKC with well known choreographers of all demographics and style. I have traveled across the country with both organizations to preform and take class and expand my knowledge.  I am passionate not just about teaching, but learning as well. I take class all week long and get the privilege to pass on the things I learn to my students, while taking my own approach on teaching. Dancing has shaped the person I am and I am fortunate to be able to share that impact and bring joy to others through this art and teach eager students.

    • ELAINE KIMBLE
    • Faculty, Ballet

    Elaine Kimble received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with a minor in Film Studies from The Conservatory of Music and Dance - University of Missouri-Kansas City.  She has had the privilege of working with contemporary choreographers Robert Battle (Alvin Ailey), Joshua Beamish (MOVE: the company), Mary Pat Henry (San Francisco Ballet), Gary Abbott (Deeply Rooted), Frank Chavez (River North), Deeanna Hiett (Alvin Ailey), Rodni Williams (DCDC), and Ronald Tice (Zurich Opera-Ballet) to name a few.  
    As a choreographer, Elaine has been honored with many accolades including the Youth America Grand Prix “Outstanding Choreography Award” for her work "Up to Here".  Her piece "Been Here Before" received the "Best Contemporary Performance of the Year" nomination from the Industry Dance Awards. Performance and choreography credits include Joffrey San Francisco, Joffrey WEST, Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company,  Quixotic Fusion, Kansas City Youth Ballet, Pacific Festival Ballet, ArtistsRevealed, DEFY Dance Project, Heartlines Dance Company, and Seamless Dance Theatre.  
    The passion for expression and creativity she instills has led her students to regional and national recognition, as well as exclusive international training programs and companies such as Nederlands Dans Theater, Ballet BC, Joffrey Ballet, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Marymount Manhattan College, NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Westside Dance Project and Arts Umbrella.

  • Valerie Elazegui
    Faculty

    Valerie Elazegui (Val) grew up at the Dance Factory in Topeka, KS. She moved to Olathe with her husband in 2013 and began her journey with Above the Barre Dance Academy. Val has trained with choreographers in many styles of dance, but some of her favorites include Al Blackstone and Laurie Johnson (tap); and Misha Gabriel and Marty Dew (hip hop). Val has been a teacher, choreographer, and coach for 15+ years winning national titles, championships, choreography awards, and more. While Val has earned many accolades as a dancer and teacher/choreographer, her greatest accomplishments in life can be seen in her children, Evelynn and Eliza. Nothing can compare to the joy she experiences watching them on stage. Val believes whole-heartedly in the vision and goals of Above the Barre Dance Academy and couldn't be more honored to teach alongside such influential, and incredible role models and friends every day... Family first, family forever, family on purpose.

  • JENNI SHIELDS
    Hip Hop

    Jenni Shields graduated from Olathe South High School as a captain of the varsity dance team. She went on to pursue dance and her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Jenni trained with many well known dance instructors and choreographers such as Mia Michaels, Brian Friedman, Dave Scott, and Tabitha & Neopoloan. She moved to New York City and trained as an intern at the Broadway Dance Center. She was presented many opportunities in New York City such as being a backup dancer for Faith Hill on the set of The View Talk Show. Jenni moved back to the midwest to dance professionally for the Kansas City Brigade arena football team and pursue her work as a dance instructor and choreographer. During this time Jenni was a dance coach at Olathe South for five years and a local third grade teacher.  She was presented an amazing opportunity to choreograph for The Kansas City Royals opening day in 2010 and 2011. Jenni has taught and choreographed for many middle schools, high schools, colleges and university dance teams in the Kansas City area. She loves sharing her dance passion by judging dance auditions and dance contests. Her love for dance team has carried over into helping other aspiring dancers make their middle school, high school & collegiate dance teams. Jenni has taught competitive and recreational dance for twenty years and has been at Above The Barre Dance Academy in Olathe for the last ten years. She currently has been offering her dance knowledge through teaching hiphop and private lessons while she focuses on raising her family and running her own small shop, Evie Pearl Handmade

  • Jenni Shields
    Hip Hop

    Jenni Shields graduated from Olathe South High School as a captain of the varsity dance team. She went on to pursue dance and her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Jenni trained with many well known dance instructors and choreographers such as Mia Michaels, Brian Friedman, Dave Scott, and Tabitha & Neopoloan. She moved to New York City and trained as an intern at the Broadway Dance Center. She was presented many opportunities in New York City such as being a backup dancer for Faith Hill on the set of The View Talk Show. Jenni moved back to the midwest to dance professionally for the Kansas City Brigade arena football team and pursue her work as a dance instructor and choreographer. During this time Jenni was a dance coach at Olathe South for five years and a local third grade teacher.  She was presented an amazing opportunity to choreograph for The Kansas City Royals opening day in 2010 and 2011. Jenni has taught and choreographed for many middle schools, high schools, colleges and university dance teams in the Kansas City area. She loves sharing her dance passion by judging dance auditions and dance contests. Her love for dance team has carried over into helping other aspiring dancers make their middle school, high school & collegiate dance teams. Jenni has taught competitive and recreational dance for twenty years and has been at Above The Barre Dance Academy in Olathe for the last ten years. She currently has been offering her dance knowledge through teaching hiphop and private lessons while she focuses on raising her family and running her own small shop, Evie Pearl Handmade

Other faculty and Staff

Sarah Wamser: Office manager
Anne Kennedy: Costume Manager
Reagan: Social Media

Guest Choreographers

Matt Luck
Maddi Burg
Nick Gomez
Hailey Hoffman
Ricky Maalouf
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